This blog covers both Friday, the 25th (San Sepolcro to Citerna) and Saturday, the 26th (Citerna to Citta di Costello)
Friday was an easier day (13 km—8 mi and climbed 918 ft). Today, Saturday, seemed very hard (20 km—12 mi and climbed 2680 ft). The temp has been hitting mid-80s and it’s made a difference. Conditions otherwise have been astounding: no rain, very little mud, good walking paths, and some shade here and there.
Because of the heat and the hills, I’ve had to slow down my pace, and so I’m walking 8 to 9 hrs—but it’s all still fun. Especially when trail angels appear. After the first of three hills this morning there suddenly appears in the middle of nowhere a very rustic hotel. I walked in and asked if they were open, and the owner just served me another breakfast—first one was really skimpy anyway. She couldn’t put enough food in front of me—and only charging me 5 Euros. It’s kindness like that that keeps you going. Then I met the only couple that stayed there (Dutch)—we had fun leapfrogging each other.
Also learned that most residences in remote areas are only occupied March to November—too much snow, and these gravelly roads aren’t cleared.